Articles
The Veil is Lifting! Andrew Kidd
First, we made the startling observation that the first six pages of the chapter “Christian Science Practice” in the textbook of Christian Scientists describes Mary Magdalene as possessing the ideal qualities for both healer and patient. This fact has been ignored by the vast majority of students, whose primary concern has been to learn to give metaphysical treatments, to know the truth, etc., with little attention given to preparing the heart. And what a sad commentary - the stereotype of the Christian Scientist to outside observers, for many generations, has been “aloof and superior!” even while the textbook declares: “The vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love.” This could never have happened except that there has been a fatal institutional veil over the textbook – instead of reading what is actually there, readers conform to thinking according to the institution.
Next, we have “discovered” the following from the Church Manual by Mary Baker Eddy:
Duties of the Church Officers from Article 1 Section 9:
“Law constitutes government, and disobedience to the laws of The Mother Church must ultimate in annulling its Tenets and By-Laws. [emphasis added] Without a proper system of government and form of action, nations, individuals, and religion are unprotected; hence the necessity of this By-Law and the warning of Holy Writ: ‘That servant, which knew the lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.’ "
Further in the same Section: if and when the Board of Directors do not abide by the Manual, they will be replaced by the Pastor Emeritus (Mary Baker Eddy) - which would be impossible after she passed on.
With the estoppel clauses (requirements of Mary Baker Eddy’s approval) being ignored by the Board of Directors since Mary Baker Eddy’s departure, the Tenets and By-Laws were annulled in effect in 1910. The Board of Directors have made a mockery of the Church Manual, ignoring it as it applies to them, but threatening and excommunicating in its name for generations. This has not been the church established by Mary Baker Eddy. The only church she left us is clearly laid out in the Glossary of the textbook:
“Church. The structure of Truth and Love. Whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle.
The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.”
Why would Mrs. Eddy insist on the estoppel clauses, and require the annulment of the Tenets and By-Laws when they were not obeyed? Is it not clear that she knew what would happen. It is as though she was saying: “Start your own church, but do not associate my name with it! Do not use my Church Manual as a justification for your reign of control and excommunication!”
The Church Manual remains an important spiritual guide, but is in no way a justification for five self-perpetuated popes! Now that the veil is lifted on yet another misconception, it is time for students of Christian Science to sing and soar, no longer under the shadow of “The Mother Church.” Each one owes allegiance to God, and only to God. Christ Jesus gave the keynote: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”